fiberglass screen vs fabric type barrier

[flybyferns]

Hi,
Wondering what FF members think?
Re:
fiberglass screen vs fabric type barrier above hydro ( see link below)

Substrate Barrier - Substrate Barrier | Josh's Frogs

Aslo, has anyone any experience with this product? Used with hydroponic gardening. Very cool!

GENERAL HYDROPONICS: CocoTek

GENERAL HYDROPONICS: CocoTek Liners

It is available in pots, block and mats.

GENERAL HYDROPONICS: CocoTek Mats

"Made from natural coconut fibers and bound by organic latex, CocoTek® Mats are designed to lie underneath media containers and can be easily cut to any size. In ebb and flow tables, plant roots will grow through and under the Mats where moisture remains between flood cycles."

I wondering what "organic latex" is ?

Thanks, Lynn

[Beachfroggy]

"Natural" or "synthetic" latex would be the actual distinction if there was one. One rubber substance is derived from plant or tree sources and the other from petroleum type products There is no true "organic latex" because no certification of latex exists as to 100% organic components. Recognized Boards certify "organic" and none certify latex as of yet. As long as "latex" is okay for the enclosure the labeling is meaningless. It is false advertising.

[UncleChester]

I've never used the stuff from Josh's that you've linked too but always preferred a fabric product to the fiberglass screen. It folds around corners easily, never has any sharp pokey bits, much nicer to cut and work with, and you can easily line not only the hydroton layer but also fold it to go an inch or so up the glass (however deep your substrate is) to hold the substrate in better.

It comes in a few varieties. The kind I use is more on the flimsy fabric side compared to some of the plasticy feeling heavier duty stuff used in landscaping especially where you'll have foot traffic. The flimsy fabric kind is more than durable enough for a vivarium as it likely won't be subject to a human foot.

You can get small rolls at the dollar store and some garden centres will sell it from large rolls cut to the length you want for pretty cheap. Home Depot and other stores will also have rolls of it that are reasonably priced for what is likely a lifetime supply for the vivarium maker.

[flybyferns]

"Natural" or "synthetic" latex would be the actual distinction if there was one. One rubber substance is derived from plant or tree sources and the other from petroleum type products There is no true "organic latex" because no certification of latex exists as to 100% organic components. Recognized Boards certify "organic" and none certify latex as of yet. As long as "latex" is okay for the enclosure the labeling is meaningless. It is false advertising.

My thoughts as well , it is ...... very confusing advertise.
Thanks for your thoughts on this.
Lynn

[ToadPaparazzi]

I prefer fiberglass screen. It drains very well and is cheap.

[flybyferns]

I've never used the stuff from Josh's that you've linked too but always preferred a fabric product to the fiberglass screen. It folds around corners easily, never has any sharp pokey bits, much nicer to cut and work with, and you can easily line not only the hydroton layer but also fold it to go an inch or so up the glass (however deep your substrate is) to hold the substrate in better.

It comes in a few varieties. The kind I use is more on the flimsy fabric side compared to some of the plasticy feeling heavier duty stuff used in landscaping especially where you'll have foot traffic. The flimsy fabric kind is more than durable enough for a vivarium as it likely won't be subject to a human foot.

You can get small rolls at the dollar store and some garden centres will sell it from large rolls cut to the length you want for pretty cheap. Home Depot and other stores will also have rolls of it that are reasonably priced for what is likely a lifetime supply for the vivarium maker.

I prefer fiberglass screen. It drains very well and is cheap.

Thanks Brian and Christian,
I am at a complete stand still................deciding which product to use
I didn't like the fabric at first, then realized once it gets wet it drains really nicely.
It may have the advantage of not letting any silt through?

Good grief! I'm ridiculous about these things!
Lynn

[MikeM670]

I have used both and actually prefer the fabric to the plastic screen.

[flybyferns]

I have used both and actually prefer the fabric to the plastic screen.

Thanks Mike,
So far I am leaning that way.
It's in......... and the corners folded easily , like Brian mentioned.
Lynn

[deranged chipmunk]

definitely the fabric for me. keeps the silt and muck out of my water reservoir. still have my eye on that cocotek mat though Lynn

[Heatheranne]

Oh wow :/. I'm glad you shared this with us. How disappointing .

I use the fiberglass mesh/screen over eggcrate with PVC elbows underneath. It worked well for my large vivarium. I still have to start my dart viv, but I want the large exo.